Snedeker looking to end runner-up streak

A four-under par round at the testing Spyglass Hill saw Brandt Snedeker take the early clubhouse lead at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Friday.

Snedeker, who has amassed more world ranking points than any other player so far in 2013, birdied four holes at the famous course and avoided any bogeys to join Ted Potter Jr at the front of the field heading into the weekend.

"I didn't make a lot of putts today but look forward to going into the weekend, confidence is very high," Snedeker said. "I feel like my game is where I want it to be and two good days to go, should be a lot of fun."

Snedeker has finished as runner-up to Tiger Woods and then Phil Mickelson in the last two PGA Tour events, but remains hopeful that might change over the weekend on the Monterey Peninsula.

"I take nothing but positives away from the way I've played the weekend the last couple events," Snedeker added. "I know I'll have a lot of fun this weekend, so just try to recreate that.

"That's how you win out here; you keep putting yourself in position, and the more times you do, that the more success you're going to have."

Hunter Mahan is among a group of players just one shot behind Snedeker and Potter Jr, with Jason Day showing some improved form to sit six-under.

Elsewhere, Lee Westwood navigated Monterey Peninsula in level-par to remain four-under for the tournament. Padraig Harrington, meanwhile, shot one-under at Pebble Beach to sit at the same score for the event - one shot behind Phil Mickelson, who shot 71 at Spyglass Hill.